“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

I received this book for free from the source listed above in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I read DASH & LILY’S BOOK OF DARES in less than a day. Contemporary books always seem to instill this need to read within me that always surprises me. This statement is completely beside the point except that DASH & LILY’S is a compelling contemporary that keeps you turning the page for reasons you cannot fathom. The plot is not action-y. There are not a lot of romance squealy moments (the characters don’t even technically meet until the latter half). But there is a book and the game that comes along with it, sending the characters around New York City at Christmas.

What I am attempting to say in a sort of long winded version is that I loved it. Not as much as the novel I just finished five minutes ago that has left me in a stupour, but it was still very very enjoyable. Enjoyable enough for me to want to reread it. Preferably at Christmas (like how people watch Christmas movies at Christmas, I want to read Christmas timed books).

Even though our two characters never meet or interact until the end, they develop a relationship superbly. Every word they write and every place they send each other reveals something about them, things they might not even admit to their family. I loved this aspect. They had no reason to do this, but did anyway because they were bored teenagers having fun, making friends with strangers. And they both contrasted so obviously with each other, but also had so much in common.

I really don’t know what else to say about this… Other than the ending. Which I must express as a gif because

It was so abrupt! Things were looking good, I was grinning like an idiot. Then I swipe my kindle to go to the next chapter only to find THERE ISN”T ONE. It was outrageous!! I needed more. I need more. Soon. I want to see how things develop.

I’d recommend DASH & LILY’S BOOK OF DARES to people looking for something light that doesn’t feature romance heavily. The relationship here was fun and slow developing, it was incredibly enjoyable to observe the game. I also loved the incredible abundance of showing and not telling. And the red notebook of dares in general. My only wish is that there was more because I feel slightly robbed by that ending.

Rating Report

Plot

Characters

Writing

Pacing

Romance

Overall:

4.6

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20 Responses to “Review: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan”

I’ve read David Levithan’s book (co-written with John Green) Will Grayson Will Grayson and unfortunately I found it really boring I couldn’t finish it ._. Character driven plot isn’t my cup of tea cause usually the pacing feels quite slow for me even though it’s actually isn’t ><

I loved this one, too! Well, probably not as much as you did, but I did like it a lot. Dash and Lily were both so awesome! And I might re-read this one when Christmas is here. hahaEve recently posted…Top Ten Books Made Into Movies

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It it definitely one of my favorite books out of all times…next to a dozen others. XD I totally agree with the ending I wish there was more because it was so amazing and the first time I read I was wondering WHEN they were gong to meet. I re-read this near X-Mas and it was amazing. I really highly recommend that.

I love your review! (at least you can understand it, mine it just flail’s everywhere)XDDelaney recently posted…Babe in Boyland

I freaking love this book omg I’m glad you enjoyed it :) It’s such a great contemporary read especially during the Christmas holiday. I’d probably reread this book every year and not get tired of it. Great review :) Lol I felt the same way about the ending.